Northern Colorado is watching you, local legislators

Representatives and senators must consider all constituents in lightof important issues this session

Jan. 5, 2013

This year's Colorado legislative session is sure to result in laws that will change the way we live for decades.

It'll be a big year for social issues: Figuring out what laws will govern Coloradans’ marijuana use will be top of mind. This could also potentially be the year Colorado legalizes same-sex civil unions and in-state tuition for illegal immigrants.

We'll also see quality of life and fiscal issues: Fracking rules and local vs. state control will come to the fore. The debate over gun restrictions will undoubtedly come up, with state and local tragedies fresh in Coloradans' minds.

Our veteran legislators — Brian DelGrosso, Randy Fischer and John Kefalas — will sit on committees through which key legislation will pass. Even some of our new representatives — Vicki Marble, Perry Buck and Joann Ginal — have committee responsibilities that will shape public policy in a big way.

To that end, we offer some friendly counsel for our local representatives, be they battle-tested or green: Remember that we're sending you to the capitol to represent our wishes — not those of your party.

Of course, we elected you because a majority of us agree with your beliefs; we trust you to make good decisions, so use your inner voice as your touchstone. But talk to us — check in with your bosses from time to time and ensure the laws your enacting are those we want back home.

As you get mired in the inevitable politics of partisanship, occasional quid-pro-quos and inter-legislative drama, don't let it detract from why you're there in the first place.

Know that you have our support in Northern Colorado. We collectively decided you would be the best at echoing our concerns on a state level, and we trust you to do just that.

And remember, we'll be watching. Not as a newspaper, but as a unified populace of citizens, eager to see you act as a cohesive unit to bring smart solutions to all Coloradans.